What I take to the Field
NOTE: Free Download Below!
Do you wonder what to pack for a day at the field? Here is a video of what I pack to enjoy the day at the field. Also, I have added the actual checklist I use to make sure I don’t forget anything. Add your name and email address below and download the checklist.
7 Great YouTube Channels for RC Airplane Content
If you are new to the RC airplane hobby like I am, you are continually looking for great sources for information. These 7 YouTube channels are an excellent place to start to keep up on the RC airplane hobby. Rather than beginner-focused content, these channels focus more on product reviews and on Motion RC and Horizon Hobby product releases. The RC Saylors cover all things RC, including RC Boats, RC Cars along with RC airplanes.
Pilot Ryan Media
Merry Boozer RC
RC Informer
The RC Geek
I also publish videos for beginners to the RC airplane hobby over at JD Hayes.
Any other good resources that you have discovered?
Secure Your Battery
Over on Youtube I have a quick video on why it is critical to secure your plane’s battery. This is the first of what will be a series for the beginner in the RC airplane hobby. In the video I also have a couple of tips that I use to help keep my battery secure. You didn’t know that hockey tape would make its way into the RC airplane hobby. Enjoy
My First EDP Jet Solo Flight
I finally soloed my first EDF jet. EDF stands for Electric Ducted Fan. Instead of a propeller, these planes have a motor with a multi-bladed fan. Typically you move to EDF after mastering propeller planes.
The Freewing 6S Hawk was the jet. I was thrilled with the flight and excited about improving my EDF piloting skills. The landing was a bit bouncy with a slight crosswind. Here is the video of that flight - The video is from the past president of our club, The Wingmasters, here in Dayton, Ohio.
Improve Your New Pilot RC Plane Orientation with This Practical Tip
Losing Orientation
Which way is it flying? The new pilot panic set in. Unfortunately, it was flying away and was quickly going to be out of range. I helplessly watched it disappear into the setting sun. I had misjudged the direction my RC plane was flying. I turned the plane away from me instead of towards the landing strip. In less than 30 seconds, it was gone.
I Had Lost Orientation
The definition of orientation, according to NASA is:
"Since we live in a three-dimensional world, it is necessary to control the attitude or orientation of a flying aircraft in all three dimensions. In-flight, any aircraft will rotate about its center of gravity, a point which is the average location of the mass of the aircraft. We can define a three-dimensional coordinate system through the center of gravity with each axis of this coordinate system perpendicular to the other two axes. We can then define the orientation of the aircraft by the amount of rotation of the parts of the aircraft along these principal axes."
Simply the orientation is the plane's direction, pitch, and which way it's flying. As a beginner, I haven't built the muscle memory to know which way to turn the plane. Also, as a beginner, I tend to fly at a safer, higher altitude. The "2 mistakes high" altitude. This helps with crashing and puts the distance between you and your plane at a dangerous edge of losing radio contact. With this higher altitude and increased distance from your plane to the transmitter, you don't have much time to correct before the plane quickly gets out of contact.
Why do I have a hard time with orientation?
With a dark underside, I can't always tell which way the plane is turning. And my muscle memory isn't there to instinctively turn the plane in the correct direction without thinking. Since I enjoy warbirds, their typical darker plane underbelly and the sky are not a good combination for me. My P39 with a gray underbelly and F8F-1 Bearcat blue underbelly are troublesome.
FlightLine F8F-1 Bearcat 1200mm
P-39 Airacobra 1.2m
How did I Improve my Orientation with a Quick Fix?
I painted the wingtips yellow to help with seeing the orientation of the plane. I use yellow as that seems to be an excellent color for me to quickly identify the plane's direction. I haven't lost a plane since. I use Rust-Oleum spray paint and mask off with Frogtape brand tape. This tape is highly recommended across the hobby to provide clean lines and not pull off the existing paint.
Other Ideas
If you don't want to paint, you could try a distinctive decal with bright complimentary colors. That will help if you're going to stay "scale." As a beginner, I am more interested in leaving the field with my plane vs. "being strictly scale". The choice is yours.
This was just a practical tip to help improve your RC flying. What advice do you use to help with the view of your plane in flight?
I'M Back
Hello It's John and I've been absent from the blog for a bit but I'm back. Remote control airplanes is a new passion for me. Enjoying and learning about RC airplanes with my son has been fantastic. Join me on this journey as I share useful information here as I grow and learn about remote control airplanes. I will cover everything you need to know to have a great day out at the park, field or your local flying club. The beginner pilot up through the most experienced will find something useful here. I will cover topics like:
Best RC airplanes for children
Best RC airplanes for beginners
Flight videos (including my crashes!)
How to store your RC airplanes
Best way to transport your RC airplanes
RC Technology
I will be adding an RC Glossary page where I will have an ever-growing glossary of RC airplane definitions to help clear up the mysteries surrounding the hobby and to simplify everything you need to know. I will share what I learn as I grow into the hobby, including tips on how to start out, and how to get your family and children involved. I will keep you updated on the latest technology and trends in RC airplanes. Do you want to enjoy and grow your RC airplane passion? If this sounds like you then join me on this journey.